Choosing Better Roofing

When something breaks on your home, you might be tempted to find the cheapest alternative instead of investing massive amounts of money. However, sometimes the more expensive choice is the better one. A few years ago, I realized that we needed a new roof. After doing a little research, I chose inexpensive shingles and nails. After the new products were installed, I could tell that there was a problem. Fortunately, a roofer friend of mine spotted the trouble and helped me to repair my home. This blog is all about helping you to decode roofing materials, so that you can avoid problems down the road.

Don't Get Stuck With Roof Problems This Year: How To Get Your Flat Roof Ready For Winter

Posted on:
23 August 2018

Winter is coming. If you have a flat roof on your home, now's the time to take care of the pre-season maintenance. The last thing you want is to be left dealing with winter roofing damage. Unfortunately, that's what you'll be facing if you don't give your flat roof the care it needs before winter arrives in a few months. To help you avoid serious winter damage, here are some care instructions you'll need to follow.

Give Your Roof a Thorough Cleaning

When you have a traditional sloped roof, you don't need to be overly worried about cleaning your roof. However, when you have a flat roof, that's the first thing you need to worry about. If your roof is dirty, you can end up with problems this winter. To avoid that, be sure to sweep your roof before the cold weather settles in. Once you've swept the debris away, you'll want to use a garden hose to remove the left-over dirt and debris. Cleaning your roof with a garden hose will also allow you to make sure your drain hub is working properly. If the water doesn't drain, remove the cage over the drain hub and give it a good cleaning. If the water still doesn't drain, you'll need to send a plumbers snake through to remove the gunk.

Inspect the Roof Membrane

Once you've used the push broom to clear away all the debris, you'll need to inspect the membrane on your flat roof for signs of damage. Pay close attention to areas that might have rips or tears, as those can lead to leaks. You'll also need to check for areas that might be showing signs of age-related rot or deterioration. If you see problems with the membrane, you'll need to have the repairs taken care of immediately.

Apply Fresh Caulk to the Roof Flashings

The last step you'll need to take when getting your flat roof ready for winter will involve your flashings. If the flashings are loose, your roof is going to leak this winter. To avoid that problem, spend some time applying fresh caulk to all of your roof flashings. If you find any damaged flashing, you'll need to have it repaired or replaced before winter. If you have skylights or a chimney on your roof, you should also apply fresh caulk around those as well. That way, you're sure to have a secure seal around all areas of potential leaks.